What is happening with the Suzuki Method in Chile

by Blancamaria Montecinos, President, Suzuki Association of Chile

Translated by Caroline Fraser

This past January we were fortunate enough to host a marvelous faculty composed of teachers from different countries who came to be part of our XII International Suzuki Festival, held in Santiago, Chile. It was a wonderful learning experience. We found out that we did not have enough time to absorb all that the teachers had to offer. The teachers, parents and students from Chile would like to express their gratitude to all the invited teachers: Pat D’Ercole, Christophe Bossuat (violin), Caroline Fraser, Bruce Anderson, Nehama Patkin and Roberta Centurion (piano), Frank Longay (guitar), and June Warhoftig (flute). The Festival is the most important event for the Suzuki Association of Chile as it provides teacher training for teachers throughout Chile and neighboring countries. It is also a time when our students receive master classes from these teacher trainers who in a way have become our guides. Time flies as the days are filled with energetic teachers, a lot of enthusiasm, and joyous students, teachers and parents. For the association these days are very busy as we try to finalize all the details. Now, I would like to tell you about some very generous friends: the parents of Nikola Myrksa, (piano student) owners of the “Casa Myrksa”. For many years the Myrksas have let us use pianos free of charge during the festival, and the foreign teachers have marveled at the quality of the service and attention they provide.

We have been hosting the festival for the past twelve years, with great sacrifice. Because of the economic conditions of our country we will have to let this sustained effort of twelve years take a rest as we try to gather funds and acquire more help before organizing the next event of such magnitude.

We are always left with a feeling of wanting to learn more and wanting to continue with our training. In spite of the fact that the festival was a success in musical terms, we really hope that we will have a teacher here in Chile who can help with teacher training throughout the country. Most of the time such training is beyond the means of most teachers. There is always the interest, but there is a need for money and for the development of our own resources.

For instance, a Suzuki Institute would allow us to keep track ofthe development and professional growth of the members of the association. We understand that the Suzuki teacher’s work is extremely delicate, requiring an understanding of many areas quite apart from music. We believe that having our own place would give more dignity to the Chilean Suzuki movement. In the festival enrichment class on Jazz, the teacher Roberto Lecaros did amazing work. After only three days the piano and violin students (8-12 years old) were able to improvise in the purest Jam session style. Other successful enrichment classes were Painting and Music, Chorus, Orchestra, and Theater. It was an unforgettable week.

Perhaps some time will pass before we can have the luxury of having such teacher trainers again. We thank everyone for coming to Chile and for believing in the Suzuki Latin American project. This side of the world needs feedback; we have a lot of interest. Here there is “fertile ground” and all that is needed is “seeds and water.” Chile is a country with enormous human potential, which cannot go to waste. What we need are people who can help us spread the word about our work. We are constantly receiving invitations, letters, and information, which look very interesting, but unfortunately most events require traveling to the United States, which is very expensive for us. Therefore, from this distant land, we feel connected with the Suzuki movement throughout the world because we believe in the importance of “belonging;” only geography separates us. Our hearts are united through music, our love of teaching and Dr. Suzuki’s legacy.

Blancamaría Montecinos V. is a SUZUKI Piano, Pre-Piano and Early Childhood Education teacher. Former president of the Chilean Suzuki Association, and collaborator with 26 years of experience teaching the Suzuki Method. Currently the director of Escuela de Música Suzuki Chile, the largest Suzuki School in Santiago, Chile; with 12 teachers and more than 200 students. Motivating and inspiring teachers for over a decade she is currently an applicant for the Piano Teacher Trainer Degree.